Anyone looking for vintage wood furniture which has been painted, refreshed or repurposed has a good chance of finding what they want in Carver. Studio H, Farm Girl Junk and the Carver Junk Company offer a good selection and each store takes pride in using and selling their own brand of chalk paint. Studio H shows creative flair with an open cabinet which could serve as a toy cupboard, a bedroom closet or an entryway coat closet/room divider as well as a pink dresser and a solid gray console. Farm Girl Junk features many painted chests and dressers often combining paint and natural wood stains to good effect. Carver Junk Company is also known for their great furniture plus lots of signs and locally designed posters. These shops also sell small vintage treasures, pillows, and home accessories. Shop Carver this Friday and Saturday 10 to 4 and Sunday afternoon. Happy saling!
The Shops of Historic Carver, Part 1
The shops of Carver have so many cool pieces this month that it will take two posts to do them justice. For Part 1, the focus is on vintage pieces in their natural state. This includes beautiful antique desks like those pictured at The Nature of It and The Good Junk Garage as well as the old cabinet where the exterior is stained wood at Farm Girl Junk. Signs are plentiful at Carver shops – both old ones like the East Side Little School at Ms. Mac’s Too and old wood with metal cutouts like those found at Farm Girl Junk. Carver Junk Company combines old wood with paint as seen in the desk, chair and bookcase below. The shops of Carver are open Friday and Saturday 10 to 4 and on Sunday afternoon. Happy saling!
Reporting from Chaska
Linda’s Cellar had hints of spring with live green wheat grass and a big boxful of botanical prints. Furniture was heavy on cabinets, cupboards and buffets with a few small tables and chairs too. There was the usual number of farm and architectural pieces and general house ware items. Linda’s Cellar is located at 110 E. 2nd just east of Chestnut (Hwy. 41) in Chaska. The store is open today until 5 PM, Friday and Saturday 10 to 4, and Sunday noon to 4. Happy saling!
St. Paul Shopping
You’ll find basic pieces of furniture like tables, desks, and dressers aplenty at Belle Junque. They are available in wood tones, grays, off whites, and striped – distressed or glossy. Home decor has a French country feel with metals, burlap, and soft colors. Industrial-style light fixtures mix with an elegant chandelier. Simple, clean, uncluttered. Belle Junque is open tonight until 8 and Friday-Saturday 10 to 5 and on Sunday 12 to 4 at 474 Cleveland Avenue (at Randolph).
Another place to visit this weekend in St. Paul is the combined shop of Urban Moon and The Middle Sister at 1048 Selby Avenue (just east of Lexington Pkwy). Partnering in this one space means a greater selection of home decor and furniture. This weekend’s special is free fresh flowers with every vase purchased which sounds like a splendid idea for Valentine’s Day! The shop is open Friday-Saturday from 10 to 5 and on Sunday from noon to 5. Happy saling!
Seeing Red is Good on Valentine Weekend
Urban Cottage is ready for Valentine’s Day with furniture, decor and gifts for you and your favorite people (and dogs). The carefully curated shop has dressers, cabinets, cupboards and tables plus soft seating options as well. There are dishes, glasses, lamps, frames, wall decor (including a door from a vintage truck!), stained glass windows, and vintage botanical prints. For fashionistas, there is a wide assortment of interesting jewelry. You’ll also find hearts in wood, paper, and fabric along with Valentine cards. Urban Cottage is open today until 7, Thursday 10 to 7, Friday-Saturday 10 to 6, and Sunday 10 to 5 at 5157 Bloomington Avenue South.
Flamingos Divine Finds has furniture, wall decor, and lots more. Several vendors offer vintage clothing and jewelry, toys, records and housewares. The selection is large, eclectic, and well priced. Flamingos is open until 6 today and 10 to 6 Thursday through Sunday at 3404 Cedar Avenue South.
Other shops nearby which are open this weekend include The Cottage House at 4304 Chicago Avenue South which is open Thursday through Sunday 10 to 6 and Amour Sophie at 3002 East 50th Street which is open Friday-Saturday from 11 to 6. Happy saling!
Say Goodbye and Save at Vintage Marketplace
One of our longtime favorites in the south metro is closing. Final sales continue tomorrow and Sunday from 10-4 at Vintage Marketplace at 302 Oak St. in downtown Farmington. The styled look is no more, but there are still some fine pieces and lots of bargains. There are now separate areas for lamps, chairs, china, and jewelry. Most items are 50% off the marked price. And all sales are final. If you’ve enjoyed shopping at Nancy’s store, why not stop by and wish her a happy retirement?! Happy saling!
Garden Party Gallery Offers Creative Remakes
Rustic and bling – both are at home at Garden Party Gallery in downtown Hopkins. The store is full of restyled and reimagined furniture and home decor. The toboggan bar, minnow bucket lamp, blackboard-topped kids’ table, jewelry rack of baking pans and racks, and wheel clock are all examples of the creative craftsmanship you’ll find here. There’s an abundance of vintage lamps and unique light fixtures which are on sale this weekend plus tables, chairs, cabinets, and more. Stop by Thursday-Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-5 at 1213 Main Street. Look for the cute yellow house. Happy saling!
A Rare Bird is a Rare Shop
![A [really!] Rare Bird](http://theoccasionalsaler.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/FullSizeRender-27.jpg)
Looking for more browsing options this weekend? A Rare Bird has lots of variety from elegant European antiques to an American moose head. Most of the shop glitters with gilding and crystal, but then you’ll spy a French kepi (that’s a military officer’s cap)! Everything reflects careful curating and high quality, even if there are signs of wear. It’s a fun place to visit. A Rare Bird is open today 11-5 and again Sunday 12-5 at 3016 West 50th Street (near Xerxes) in south Minneapolis. Happy saling!
Amour Sophie Celebrates with Tea
Tea samples and treats will be offered to welcome new customers and welcome back longtime shoppers to this cozy, intimate new shop at 3002 East 50th Street in South Minneapolis. You’ll find teacups, teapots, linens and more. But it won’t be all tea and shortbread this weekend at Amour Sophie. Goats milk body lotions and soaps are available in several fragrances. Candles in recycled wine and beer bottles are another “new” item to complement the vintage and refreshed occasional furniture, art, mirrors, lamps and home decor. Cards, scarves, and jewelry round out the gift selections. Amour Sophie is on the east side of Lake Nokomis and is open 11-6 on Friday and Saturday. Happy saling!
Shop St. Paul on Sunday
and Urban Moon
The newly combined Urban Moon and The Middle Sister store offers a good mix of small treasures and larger pieces. You’ll find china, pottery, crystals, statues, brass and jewelry. The furniture ranges from small occasional tables to large storage armoires, bookcases, and china cabinets. They are open from noon to 5 today at 1048 Selby Avenue (just east of Lexington Pkwy.) in St. Paul. Happy saling!